Melatonin, Violet Wisteria and Xatrom Command have all recently been released, and we’re reviewing all three on PlayStation 5 – read on for our reviews.
Melatonin review (PS5)
Melatonin from Half Asleep came out on PC earlier and is out now on consoles, where it emerges as a captivating and creative rhythm game that delves into the intersection of dreams and reality. Set against the backdrop of a pink-hoodied protagonist’s nightly escapades, the game explores themes of modern-day routine and societal pressures through a series of imaginative and satirical dream scenarios. In a novel twist for a rhythm game, the narrative ties together the protagonist’s mundane activities with rhythmic gameplay, though if you’re looking for a true narrative-driven title this one might not have the depth you were expecting.
In terms of gameplay, Melatonin offers a blend of puzzle and rhythm mechanics across its dreamy levels. Players navigate through various scenarios, ranging from devouring flying pizza slices to navigating a sea of smartphones, with the action synced to the game’s laid-back soundtrack. While the initial stages ease players into the mechanics with accessible tutorials, the difficulty gradually ramps up, introducing new challenges such as using shoulder buttons and executing complex rhythmic sequences. The timing requirements are on the strict side, posing a significant challenge even for seasoned rhythm game enthusiasts.
Visually, Melatonin looks and feels relaxing with its pastel-colored aesthetic and hand-drawn art style, creating a visually captivating dreamscape for players to explore. The game’s lo-fi soundtrack complements the surreal atmosphere, although some tracks may lack the memorability found in other rhythm games. Despite its short duration, Melatonin manages to leave a lasting impression with its creative level design and engaging gameplay, making it a delightfully different experience for fans of the genre.
Overall, Melatonin offers a brief yet enchanting journey into the realm of dreams. While it may falter slightly with its stringent timing mechanics and short playtime, its captivating visuals, imaginative scenarios, and rhythmic gameplay make it a worthwhile experience for rhythm game enthusiasts seeking a charming and immersive adventure that’s different from the norm.
Violet Wisteria review (PS5)
Kanipro Games and Eastasiasoft have released Violet Wisteria on consoles, a homage to classic 80s and 90s Japanese fantasy platformers like Valis. Players embark on their journey as Wisteria Asagiri, wielding the Violet Sword to save Earth, the Higher Realm, and the Under-Realms from the clutches of the sinister wizard Maskandes – clearly no small task. The game’s 16-bit aesthetic and pixel art style capture the essence of the era, immersing players in a world filled with magic and monsters.
The standout feature of Violet Wisteria is its tri-color attack system, reminiscent of rock-paper-scissors but with colors instead of symbols. Players must master three different colored sword attacks – red, white, and blue – to overcome various enemies and obstacles. However, it’s not simply a matter of matching colors; different enemies require specific colored attacks to defeat them, adding a layer of real time strategy to the combat. While initially confusing, the game provides visual cues to assist players in identifying the correct color for each enemy, though if you want to you can disable this feature for some more challenge.
The platforming elements in Violet Wisteria require precision and timing, with players navigating through carefully crafted stages filled with challenging obstacles and enemies. The game’s pacing strikes a balance between difficulty and enjoyment, offering a satisfying experience for those seeking a balanced take on the platformer genre. However, the punishing nature of the game, reminiscent of classic titles, may deter some players accustomed to modern conveniences like frequent saves and checkpoints – despite the budget-friendly price point this isn’t a casual platformer.
The soundtrack, although initially a little jarring with its discordant tones, gradually grew on us, but while the color-based combat mechanic adds depth to the gameplay, some players may find it cumbersome. Despite these challenges, Violet Wisteria is a good example of the appeal of classic platformers, offering a rewarding experience for fans of this niche in the genre.
Xatrom Command review (PS5)
Xatrom Command delivers a fast-paced alien-shooting experience where players must fend off waves of invaders in a top-secret military base. Developed by 9Ratones and published by Ratalaika Games, the game offers both single-player and cooperative (local) multiplayer campaigns, along with survival and boss rush modes. But while modes like the cooperative multiplayer option add excitement to the gameplay, Xatrom Command as a whole is a bit lacking in depth and innovation, with basic twin stick mechanics that may feel repetitive over time.
Despite its simplicity, Xatrom Command appeals to players seeking an easy trophy list and straightforward gameplay. The game’s diverse range of weapons and enemies keeps the action engaging, while its serviceable visuals and audio enhance the atmosphere of intense battles. However, this lack of complexity means that the gameplay, while functional, will likely not leave a lasting impression on you.
In conclusion, Xatrom Command offers a simple but enjoyable alien-shooting adventure with its cooperative multiplayer mode standing out as a fun diversion for a shared session. While it may not innovate within the genre, its fast-paced action and cooperative gameplay make it a suitable choice for fans looking for straightforward shooting action.
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